Episode 73 No.104 Black Sand Room (5)
White snake.
The few remaining elders of the Demonic Cult have been divided and hidden under the water.
Even the Black Death, the owner of the ark, cannot completely control it, so it acts as a very uncertain variable in the Black Death ark strategy.
It’s something you’ll encounter ‘if you’re really unlucky’ while wandering aimlessly around the Black Room without any clear rules.
And this was exactly where I was in bad luck.
Go Hyun-woo tried to gauge Baek Sa’s realm, but his vision was unable to see its end.
As expected from a hidden boss in a B-class dungeon, his skills are far superior to Go Hyun-woo’s.
‘If you compete, you will definitely lose.’
That too will be decided within ten minutes.
The difference in martial arts is so great that running away would be impossible.
But it is still too early to despair.
‘There is still a way out.’
When Kim Ho created the strategy book, he also took this slim probability into account.
Of course, there were ways to deal with situations where you encounter a white snake.
However, the problem remains that the method of dealing with it is not as easy as it sounds, and it is up to Go Hyun-woo to do so in the future.
Meanwhile, Baek Sa also looked Go Hyun Woo up and down with his pure white pupils.
I quietly admire Ko Hyun-woo’s prayer being read.
“It’s amazing that you’ve achieved that much at an age that isn’t even the age of majority.”
“It’s all thanks to my teacher and friends.”
“I had good teachers and friends. But it’s a shame.”
Baek Sa seemed to have a rather favorable view of Go Hyun Woo, but he still seemed to be trying to do his best as a member of Heuk Sa Bang.
The tense atmosphere in the room began to slowly dissipate and the heavy air began to settle.
“If I had been given ten more years, no, even five more years, I would have made a name for myself as an excellent swordsman, but today I have met an old man… … . Blame it on your bad luck.”
At the moment when Baek Sa’s sleeves were about to flutter.
Go Hyun-woo hid his emotions as much as possible and spoke in a calm tone.
“Senior, I have a favor to ask.”
“Tell me.”
“Senior, do you remember your promise with Hyun Yang Jin?”
“… … I remember it.”
The white snake’s eyes deepened.
The reason he was able to survive the past Jeongma War.
This is because the Taoist master who had subdued him at the time, Hyeon Yang Jin-in, showed mercy at the last moment.
And what he promised Baek Sa was that if he ever had to kill a promising Ji-su, he would show mercy to him as well.
If we were to summarize what Go Hyun-woo said simply, it would be ‘Pay back your life debt and let us go.’
Go Hyun-woo felt a bit uncomfortable about bringing up the promise between the masters of the previous generation, whom he didn’t even know well, but he decided to let it go, thinking that this was also part of the strategy.
The white snake answered.
“The old man certainly made such a promise. But we will never know whether you are worthy of mercy until we see for ourselves.”
Since we decided to keep the ‘Promising Review Index’ alive,
If you don’t have any promise, I’ll just kill you.
Shin Byeong-cheol protested inwardly.
‘No, you said it was a great achievement just now? Why is your mother changing her words?’
But for some reason, I felt like I would get hit if I opened my mouth now, so I kept quiet and curled up.
Go Hyun-woo asked.
“What should I do?”
“Is there a need to go through all the trouble of testing your skills? If you can withstand the three-step method from the old man’s hands, I will let you go.”
‘… … That’s it for now.’
Go Hyun-woo clenched his hanging fist tightly.
I managed to somehow drag them through the three-second holdout as planned.
A head-on fight with a white snake is absolutely out of the question, but with a three-pronged attack, it seems possible.
And that’s the only way out of this situation.
“I will take your test, senior.”
“Okay. You get ready.”
Of course, it only seemed relatively possible, but it was by no means an easy task.
Even though he may only be a third-level swordsman, he will have to endure the hands of a master who is several levels higher than him.
Baek Sa drew his sword.
At first glance, it looked like a normal longsword.
However, everything from the handle to the sword and the blade was white, and the tip was split in two like a snake’s tongue.
The poisonous weapon of Baekjae, the snake tongue sword.
The white snake lowered its sword and spoke.
“I will yield the player.”
“Then I will teach you a lesson.”
Go Hyun-woo has raised his aerodynamics a lot.
The next moment, I was shot forward, riding the strong wind that was blowing.
‘Attack is the best defense.’
Strike hard at one point to induce the opponent’s defensive stance.
That should solve one of the three problems.
[Rapid Current]
“… … .”
I took in Ko Hyun-woo’s pure white pupils piercing into my eyes.
In a brief moment that lasts only a split second, everything before your eyes is examined in detail.
“… … You control not only the wind, but also the flow of energy. This is no ordinary season. However.”
The moment Baek Sa’s forehead was about to be pierced by Go Hyun Woo’s magic sword.
Baek Sa took a sharp stance and then swung his sword lightly.
The shape of the plant was so familiar that Go Hyun-woo recognized it immediately.
‘Poisonous snake manual?’
Doksasudong (Poisonous snake cave).
It is a herbivore that imitates the coiled posture of a poisonous snake guarding its cave.
It is also a very simple first technique, well known after the basic technique such as the Samjae Sword Technique.
But, of course, the snake trick that Baek Sa performed was far from simple.
The moment the sword was unleashed, the private sword in his hand split open to the sides like a snake’s tongue.
The private sword was a soft sword with a blade that bent flexibly.
The two curved blades thus formed two separate sword paths.
The sword energy focused on the sorcerer’s sword collided with one of the poisonous snakes and then they canceled each other out and disappeared.
Then, a second poisonous snake attacked Go Hyeon-woo.
A huge shock was felt throughout his body, and Go Hyun-woo’s new body flew backwards, breaking through the wall and crashing down.
– Kwajik!
“Ugh… … .”
I almost lost consciousness for a moment.
It felt like being hit by a giant snake’s tail.
Baek Sa looked at Go Hyun Woo and said.
“It’s a herbivore that has a strong taste but doesn’t think about the aftermath. It’s only suitable for use in Donggwijin.”
“… … .”
“Get ready for the next one.”
Second herbivore.
Now that the player has been ceded, the White Snake will attack.
Go Hyun-woo forced himself to stand up and catch his breath.
Immediately, a new type of white snake glides closer.
It is still unknown what kind of herbivorous event will unfold from the private sword hanging down.
But when you see the tip of the spear tremble and split, it is clear that the moment is imminent.
Even if you see it and deal with it, it’s not something that can be dealt with.
‘Then I will just fight back with the best I can.’
[Clear stream]
Go Hyun-woo’s sword moved smoothly.
A gentle breeze blowing from somewhere gradually wrapped itself around the blade.
A sharp blade of wind was aimed at Baeksa.
The white snake’s private sword also twisted and split in two.
The white snake thrust forward and stabbed at it.
This time again it was a very familiar herbivore.
[Poisonous snakes appearing]
Two stabs with a clear view of the tunnel.
But to Go Hyun-woo’s eyes, it looked like two thick snakes were opening their mouths wide and slithering forward.
The momentum was so overwhelming that I didn’t have the confidence to strike back even if I saw the attack.
‘Still, I have to do it.’
Go Hyun-woo’s eyes were filled with firm determination.
I tried to increase my concentration to the limit, trying to read even the slightest bend of the private sword.
Just before swinging the Cheongryu like that.
Suddenly, the image of the Dharma statue he had seen earlier flashed through his mind.
Countless lines that make up the Dharma statue.
One of them seemed to be drawn in the air before my eyes.
Go Hyun-woo drew a clear stream along that line as if he was possessed by something.
– Flash!
Could it be because of a fleeting moment of enlightenment?
His performance just now was more perfect than anything he had ever performed before.
However, it was not perfect enough to defend against the white snake’s appearance.
While Baek Sa remained standing in one place, Go Hyun Woo’s new body was pushed away for a long time.
“Coolook.”
The insides were shaken and dead blood burst out from the nose and mouth.
Blood flows from the torn palm and runs down the sorcerer’s sword.
‘Is this not enough even after doing this? … .’
Even though he displayed swordsmanship that surpassed his own capabilities, he was unable to make his opponent retreat even one step.
It meant that there was still a huge gap between the two.
Because he was so focused on that fact, Go Hyun-woo didn’t realize it.
How amazing of a job you’ve just done.
Just stopping the white sand in one place was a tremendous achievement.
Baek Sa seemed to think the same thing and narrowed his eyes.
“I didn’t know that someone at that age could stop an old man’s snake attack so easily. You can be proud.”
Baek Sa lowered his sword so that its tip touched the floor.
In that state, as the aerodynamics were further increased, a pressure stronger than before weighed down the room.
“It would be right for Nobu to show more of his skills. This is the last time. Accept it.”
The typified energy was compressed and gradually took on a white color like the appearance of a white sand dune.
The white snake wrapped in white speculation looked like a sharp sword or a giant coiled snake.
The snake in front of him glared at Ko Hyun-woo and curled up as if it was about to jump out.
Go Hyun-woo had a gut feeling.
The White Snake will soon unfold its season, and that season is absolute and cannot be stopped by one’s own strength alone.
But my shoulders were still too heavy to fall.
There was a will left by the master, a long-standing desire of the monks to be resolved, and there were close friends who believed in him and waited for him.
I’m not ready to put them down yet.
“… … .”
Soon, Go Hyun-woo seemed to have made some decision.
Set the sorcerer’s sword in the middle and raise the momentum.
A gentle breeze blew from somewhere, caressing my hair.
“… … .”
The white snake’s eyes read the flow of energy that became one with the wind.
And I could tell at a glance that what Go Hyun-woo was about to do was a very defensive move.
An extremely soft-focused herbivore that deflects enemy attacks.
however…….
‘Is this all?’
It was not enough for Baek Sa’s eyes.
The first one I used during the second clash looked better.
Whether on the offensive or defensive side.
‘That can’t be it.’
Baek Sa himself takes out a more powerful herb, but Go Hyun Woo responds with a weaker herb?
That’s nonsense.
Surely they must have prepared other means
‘If you do not, and expect the old man’s modest mercy… … . you will be buried here.’
Finally, the white snake began to spread its wings.
[White caterpillar ascends to heaven]
A giant white snake filled the field of vision and lunged at Go Hyun-woo.
Compared to him, Go Hyun-woo, standing with a single sword out, looked infinitely weak, like a candle in the wind.
– Kwaaaaaaa—!
The raised sorcerer’s sword trembled and cracked, and blood flowed out from Go Hyun-woo’s nose and mouth.
As Baek Sa had expected, Go Hyun Woo’s defensive strategy was intended to send the White Snake away.
Also, as expected, it was not enough to send Baekri Deungcheon flowing.
At this moment, it seems as if the snake is swallowing its prey in front of it in one breath.
Go Hyun-woo moved the hand that wasn’t holding the sword.
And the next moment,
– Paaaaat!
Everything disappeared as if it had been washed away.
A moment of silence.
“… … .”
The expression on Baek Sa’s face was complex and difficult to describe.
Go Hyun-woo was still in the same posture with his sword raised.
But in his other hand, he was suddenly holding something long.
It had been rolled up in old cloth and wrapped with iron chains, but some parts were torn, revealing a dull sheen.
A longsword in its scabbard.
It seemed as if that had dissolved the last of Baeksa’s pent-up desires.
“Coolook.”
Go Hyun-woo vomited out another handful of dead blood.
Judging by his paler complexion than before, it seemed like he had paid quite a high price for just holding that longsword for a moment.
‘Even so, it is a truly great sword… … .’
The white snake was amazed.
Usually, when we see a master who has reached a high level, we use the expression that he is like a well-sharpened sword, but this was the opposite.
Instead of a sword, it felt like some transcendent being was blocking the way.
What on earth is that longsword?
And what is the identity of Go Hyun-woo, who owns the longsword?
There were many questions, but the match was over.
Asking more would only result in frustration.
Baek Sa said as he retrieved his private sword.
“The old man does not lie. Open the way.”
Already, upon hearing the commotion, a large number of people in black had gathered inside the room, but at Baek-sa’s command, they parted to either side like the tide and opened up a path.
Go Hyun-woo did not take a step right away, but bowed to Baek-sa very politely.
“See you again next time.”
“Look forward to it.”
And he quickly left the place with Shin Byeong-cheol.
When the backs of the two people could no longer be seen.
One of the black-clad warriors spoke to the white snake.
“Give me the order. I will take their heads and return.”
If I wanted to make a pun, I could do it all.
If you look back at the promise with Hyun Yang Jin, it was ‘Baek Sa’ who said he would save you, not ‘Heuk Sa Bang Musa’ who said he would save you.
Also, the one who said that Baek Sa would save him was Go Hyeon-woo, and he did not promise anything to Shin Byeong-cheol next to him.
There is no problem even if you send your luggage.
But Baek Sa shook his head.
“Let him go. Are you trying to make Nobu into a worthless scribe?”
It was Go Hyun-woo who had already proven his qualifications to the fullest.
Baek Sa had absolutely no intention of sullying the match that had just occurred.
Before he was divided into the righteous, evil, and evil sects, he was also a single person.
Despite Baek Sa’s firm determination, the Grand Master’s warriors demanded even more strongly that a pursuit party be sent.
“The passage has been breached. If we continue like this, the Ark will not remain silent.”
– Crunch!
The private sword split open and wrapped around Daeju’s body, cutting him into three pieces in one breath.
Now, there was a hint of anger in Baek Sa’s voice.
“Are those few things from the poor man more important than the old man’s favor?”
“… … !”
“… … !”
The men in black hurriedly bowed their heads.
No one dared object any more.
In the midst of the stillness, Baek Sa stared in the direction where Go Hyun Woo had disappeared and thought.
The appearance of respectfully paying respect even to a dying body.
Eyes burning with fighting spirit.
A person like that will always keep his word.
‘He will definitely come back.’
* * *
Go Hyun-woo walked quickly down the passage, although he staggered.
Shin Byeong-cheol kept looking behind him, but it seemed like the Heuksabang warriors really weren’t chasing him any further.
“But my mother-in-law doesn’t play with words.”
It’s still too early to completely relax, but it seems like the urgent situation where every second counts has passed.
Shin Byeong-cheol, who had decided so, took out a potion from his inventory.
Red liquid slosh around in a fancy glass bottle.
“Let’s recover a little and go. Drink.”
Go Hyun-woo drank the potion Shin Byeong-cheol handed him in one gulp without even checking it properly.
He frowned as if the taste was unusually bitter, but color soon returned to his face.
“Whew… … . It feels much better. Thank you.”
“It has to get better. It would be strange if it didn’t.”
The tone was one of confidence in recovery.
When Go Hyun-woo finally looked down, he saw that the empty glass bottle itself was not of ordinary high quality.
If so, the value of its contents will not be low at all.
“This is… … .”
“It’s something called a hyper potion.”
“Your brother must have lost a lot of blood. To give you such a precious item.”
“It was big. It was a major hemorrhage. But what can I do? The situation has come to this.”
It was a hi-potion that was kept in my inventory in case my life was at stake.
Shin Byeong-cheol himself has not been able to drink even a single drop.
However, as luck would have it, they encountered a hidden boss, and thanks to Go Hyun-woo risking his life to fight, both of them were able to escape with their limbs intact.
Even though Shin Byeong-cheol was very sensitive to gains and losses, he felt guilty about just carrying the burden and pretending not to know.
Besides, realistically speaking, Go Hyun-woo would not be able to increase his speed while suffering from internal injuries, and if by any chance a pursuit force were to follow, there would be no answer, so he quickly took out a Hi-Potion.
Go Hyun-woo nodded as if he understood everything.
“The new brother also has a big presence at important moments. You can call him a true man.”
“I’m also a person who does things when I have to, that’s what I’m saying. Remember that well.”
“Haha, what are you talking about?”
However, since the value of the hyper potion is its value, it was impossible for there to be no regrets at all.
Shin Byeong-cheol decided to think differently.
I asked because I remembered the last conversation between Go Hyun-woo and Baek Sa.
“But, you’re coming to see me again?”
“exactly.”
“Do you really need to do that? The next time you come, that guy won’t remember you anyway.”
It is said that the swordsmanship club has already put up a bid for this dungeon.
In the near future, they will destroy the dungeon, and as time passes, the white snake in the regenerated black snake room will not remember Go Hyun-woo.
However, Go Hyun-woo seemed determined.
“It doesn’t matter whether he remembers me or not. What matters is that the fight isn’t over.”
It is true that Baek Sa showed mercy to them because of a past favor, but that is only a superficial reason.
If he only cared about past favors, there would have been no need to bother with the excuse of ‘let’s test whether it’s promising’.
If the difference in skill was that great, then it would have been enough to see the prayer at a glance and mix up the moves.
Perhaps the real reason for the exchange of the three Chosiks was Muin’s ambition to have a proper fight with the grown-up Go Hyun-woo someday.
So even if you don’t remember this incident, I’ll gladly take on the challenge if you explain the circumstances.
‘I will definitely come back.’
